One of the founding members of Pitlochry Conservation Society (PCS) has hit back at claims the group is “anti-business.”
It was formed by residents last year in an attempt to save the town centre from unsympathetic development.
However, following disagreement over what the people of Pitlochry want and need, the planning convener of the community council accused PCS of trying to turn it into a “ghost town.”
John Pearson said that while Pitlochry and Moulin Community Council (PMCC) objected to plans by Upland Developments to demolish Bank House, it was not opposed to the building of a motel complex on Atholl Road.
PCS member Kate West contacted The Courier to put a stop to what she called a “war of words.”
“We need to put our personal differences aside and start singing from the same hymn sheet to ensure Pitlochry’s best interests are represented,” she said.
“Contrary to what has been said, Pitlochry Conservation Society does speak for the local community. We have carried out surveys and exit polls and are acting on the results.
“We agree that the Atholl Road site needs to be developed, but don’t just want to settle for something that isn’t perfect.Identity”Pitlochry has a unique identity that attracts tourists from across the country and even further afield, we don’t want to lose that.
“This is the ideal opportunity to create something that showcases the town and can be held up as a positive example of development.”
With funding from the community, PCS commissioned graduates from the Mackintosh School of Architecture in Glasgow to come up with an alternative vision for the town centre.
Their plans would see the historic Bank House building retained as a central feature, with lower density buildings, landscaped gardens, concealed parking and new walkways that would allow people to move through the town without encountering traffic.
Retail units were included, but nothing as large-scale as Upland Developments’ designs, which include a supermarket and a 52-room motel.
Mrs West said, “We don’t want Pitlochry to become a ghost town, but also don’t want it to become a clone town. It’s about striking a balance so that existing businesses can keep going while new ones pitch up.
“We need to have unique shops that will attract the attention of visitors and also motorists making their way up and down the A9.
“We wouldn’t have commissioned the Mackintosh group to come up with a “commercially viable” alternative if we didn’t want to see development, but big chains are not what we need.Charm”Local residents are also concerned that the design and size of the buildings in Upland’s plans will dominate the town centre much of which is in a conservation area and ruin its charm.”
At a public meeting at the end of last year, 85% of residents voted against the Upland Developments designs and 99% said they wanted to wait for a better design.
PCS chairman James Tyrrell added, “We were saddened by the recent discouraging comments by the retiring community council’s planning spokesman.
“We have always solicited professional opinion and, intentionally, our members represent a wide sector of the townspeople.
“The townspeople’s rejection of this massive building must surely illustrate how out of touch the PMCC are with their electors and public opinion.
“We do appreciate the efforts they have continually made for the town and wish them well, but regret that at such a late stage in their stewardship they should have backed such an unpopular proposal.
“In our official objection, we suggested a new town square, retaining the Bank House, and adapting Gregg’s building to be a more workable and acceptable proposition of arcaded shops and offices.
“We also agreed with Mackintosh that a smaller hotel with tourist facilities, such as a restaurant, public lounge and a bar, is more appropriate for a key Scottish tourist town.”
PCS has asked to be present at a meeting between the Aviemore developers, Architecture and Design Scotland, and local planners on April 18.